a stiff order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stiff order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a request or demand that is difficult to fulfill or requires significant effort. Example: "Completing the project in just one week is a stiff order, but we will do our best to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rousey has yet to do the same, and Nunes is a stiff order for a first assignment back to redemption.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the revised stiff order conditions are proposed and investigated in detail.

Journal of Computational Physics

We derive stiff order conditions for the EPIRK methods and develop algorithms to solve them to obtain specific schemes.

Journal of Computational Physics

By the expansions for the errors of explicit ERKN integrators, we derive stiff order conditions up to order three and present the error bounds.

Applied Numerical Mathematics

In this paper we extend the stiff order conditions and the convergence theory developed for the exponential Rosenbrock methods to the EPIRK integrators.

Journal of Computational Physics

We used the Exponential Time Differencing (ETD) Euler Method for the discretisation in time (with the exponential five Runge-Kutta scheme of stiff order for been used in the computation).

Advances in Difference Equations

The molecular structure of these materials consists of stiff, ordered, rod-like molecules that are connected to long, crosslinked molecular chains, resulting in a coupling between the orientational order of the rods and mechanical deformation of the network.

Mechanics of Materials

It is hypothesized from the overall dilute solution features that the P. sp biopolymer chain molecules adopt stiff ordered conformation in solution.

Chemical Engineering Science

The stent-graft device is then advanced over a stiff guidewire in order to have enough support throughout the femoral and iliac systems.

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology

So far, Mr Bossi and his supporters have been kept happy by promises of greater fiscal autonomy for the richer north of Italy and a stiff law-and-order programme (implemented by one of their number, the interior minister, Roberto Maroni).

The Economist

Better to skip the cocktails (the Lusty Pear tasted like a Jelly Belly), order a stiff drink, and get right out on the dance floor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stiff order", ensure the context clearly indicates that the task or request is challenging and requires significant effort. It is often used when setting expectations about difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "a stiff order" when a simpler description of difficulty would suffice. The phrase carries an idiomatic weight, suggesting more than just slight inconvenience; it implies a substantial challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stiff order" functions as a noun phrase, where "stiff" modifies the noun "order". It describes the nature of the order making it a difficult request or assignment to fulfill, as suggested by the Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stiff order" is a noun phrase used to describe a task or request that is particularly challenging and requires significant effort. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and functions to emphasize the difficulty of what's being asked. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. While not overly common, understanding its meaning and appropriate usage can add nuance to your writing when describing difficult assignments. Alternative phrases include "a challenging task" or "a tall order".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging task

Replaces 'order' with 'task' focusing on the difficulty of the assignment.

a difficult assignment

Substitutes 'stiff' with 'difficult' and 'order' with 'assignment', emphasizing the level of complexity.

a tall order

Replaces 'stiff' with 'tall', keeping the idiomatic sense of something hard to achieve.

a demanding request

Changes 'order' to 'request', highlighting the exacting nature of what is being asked.

a formidable challenge

Uses 'formidable' to intensify the sense of difficulty and replaces 'order' with 'challenge'.

a tough proposition

Emphasizes the difficulty with 'tough' and uses 'proposition' to refer to the task at hand.

a Herculean task

Implies extreme difficulty using the mythological reference to Hercules' labors.

an uphill battle

Metaphorically describes the situation as a struggle against significant resistance.

a herculean effort

Replaces 'order' with effort. Implies extreme difficulty using the mythological reference to Hercules' labors.

a taxing endeavor

Emphasizes the draining or burdensome nature of the task with 'taxing'.

FAQs

How can I use "a stiff order" in a sentence?

You can use "a stiff order" to describe a task or request that is difficult to fulfill or requires significant effort. For example, "Completing the project in just one week is a stiff order, but we will do our best to meet the deadline."

What's a phrase similar to "a stiff order"?

Similar phrases include "a challenging task", "a difficult assignment", or "a tall order". These phrases convey the difficulty of a given task.

Is "a stiff order" formal or informal?

"A stiff order" sits in a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts depending on the surrounding vocabulary and tone. It's readily understandable across various audiences.

When is it appropriate to use "a stiff order" over a more straightforward phrase?

Use "a stiff order" when you want to emphasize that a task is particularly demanding or difficult. It's more impactful than simply saying something is "hard" or "difficult".